Simply the Best: KSA Pilots are Middle East's Finest

Defense Minister Prince Salman praised the role of Royal Saudi Air Force officers and pilots in protecting and preserving the Kingdom. He described them as the best in the region.

Defense Minister Prince Salman praised the role[2] of Royal Saudi Air Force[3] officers and pilots in protecting and preserving the Kingdom. He described them as the best in the region.

In written remarks delivered during the inspection of the 92nd Squadron of the 3rd Aviation Wing of the Eastern Sector at King Abdul Aziz Air Base in Dhahran on Tuesday, Prince Salman said: “We take great pride in the excellent capabilities of the air base, including the highly skilled pilots who work for the protection and preservation of the country’s assets and our people.”

Prince Salman was received at the air base by Chief of General Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail; Eastern Region Commander Maj. Gen. Ali Asiri; and King Abdul Aziz Air Base Commander Air Vice Marshal Abdul Ghani Al-Thubaiti.

Addressing the gathering, Al-Thubaiti said: “King Abdul Aziz Air Base is now one of the best and the biggest in the Middle East.”

On Monday night, a huge reception was arranged in Prince Salman’s honor at the Eastern Province Governorate. It was attended by princes, tribal elders, government officials, businessmen, diplomats and journalists.

Addressing the defense minister, Eastern Province Governor Prince Mohammad bin Fahd said: “You share the aspirations and ambitions of the citizens of the region through your visits under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif.”

On Tuesday morning, Prince Salman visited Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University[4] where Rector Dr. Issa Al-Ansari and all faculty members welcomed him. A number of high-level businessmen and academics were also present.

It was a big moment for Al-Ansari because Prince Salman was also present while the cornerstone for the university was laid some years ago. The defense minister was taken on a tour of the university. He was obviously delighted at the progress achieved by the university in recent years. Prince Salman’s speech that he delivered while the university was being set up was replayed on a large screen. There was thunderous applause.

Prince Salman expressed his delight at the way the university project has come up.

“His visit to the university shows his passion and concern for education,” said businessman Khalid A. Al-Abdulkarim. “He seemed very happy at the contribution of the university toward the well-being of the young Saudi population.”

He said the prince’s visit has spread cheer among the population. “The region is going through turmoil and Prince Salman’s visit is significant. It has raised our confidence and given us a new strength,” said Al-Abdulkarim.

Prince Salman, he said, is not new to the region. “He has been visiting us often. He acts as a good bridge between the people and the leadership. Thanks to the excellent leadership there is prosperity all around. The number of projects that are going on in the region are phenomenal. There are huge investments, and these royal visits add to our confidence,” he said.